Unarguably, the best time to visit France is Spring. During this time, you can expect warm and pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
However, this doesn’t mean that you can not plan a trip to France in any other season. In fact, the best season to visit France will ultimately depend on your personal preferences.
We have curated this guide to help you plan an exciting and memorable trip to France. We will discuss everything you need to know before visiting this incredible European destination, including the right time to visit.
When is the Best Time to Travel to France?
Those who love the winter season argue that winter is the best time to visit France, with all the festivities going on around the country.
On the other hand, solo travellers and budget backpackers believe that summers are best for travelling to France since the prices are low and crowds are few.
What does it mean?
France is an incredible country with something for every type of traveller. You will find plenty of experiences and amazing things to do regardless of the time of year you are visiting.
Let’s take a look into what different seasons look like in France:
|
Season |
Months |
Temperature Range |
Weather Conditions |
Spring | March, April, May | 10 to 12°C | Pleasant and warm |
Summer | June, July, August | 14 to 28°C | Warm with occasional rains |
Fall | September, October, November | 8 to 15°C | Mildly cold with frequent showers |
Winter | December, January, February | 3 to 8°C | Cold weather with snowfall |
Tourist Seasons in France
Peak Season in France: June, July and August mark the peak tourist season in France. The weather during these months is warm and perfect for sightseeing in cities like Paris, Marseille and Bordeaux. But since it is the peak season, you can expect the highest tourist influx and prices.
Off-season in France: The off-season in France runs from November to March. Most budget travellers plan their trips during this time because of low prices and fewer tourists. Interestingly, the Christmas and New Year holidays are still vibrant despite the off-season.
Shoulder Season in France: Shoulder season in France comes twice a year, i.e., April to June and September to October. These are the months when the weather is pleasant and marks the arrival of either Spring or Fall. The best part is that prices are moderate, and so is the tourist rush. It is a good time to visit France for both sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Month by Month Travel Guide to France
1. France in January
With chilly weather, occasional snowfall and a vibrant winter landscape, January marks the peak winter season in France. If you are an adventure seeker, then this is a perfect month to visit and take part in various thrilling winter activities at the ski resorts located in the French Alps, Jura Mountains and Pyrenees.
Those who are looking forward to a relaxed vacation can enjoy winter celebrations and local sightseeing at various museums and other attractions.
Temperature: 1°C to 7°C
Best Activities to Do: Snowboarding, Skiing and other winter activities.
Best Places to Visit: Paris, French Alps, Strasbourg, Pyrenees, Mont Blanc.
2. France in February
The winter breeze continues in February, with weather conditions similar to those in January. Mild snowfall is still possible, especially in places like the French Alps and other peaks.
By planning your trip during this time, you can attend exciting local celebrations in Dunkirk and Nice.
In addition, winter sports are quite popular this month. The best part about visiting France in February is affordable prices and less rush at tourist points.
Temperature: 1°C to 8°C
Best Activities to Do: Carnival celebrations, winter sports, city walks
Best Places to Visit: French Alps, Jura Mountains, Nice, Dunkirk
3. France in March
If you don’t prefer winter weather but want to avoid the tourist rush, then probably the best time to visit France is March. It marks the upcoming spring season in the country with slightly warmer temperatures and clear weather.
In March, cities like Paris, Marseille and Nice start attracting tourists to various activities, such as Paris Fashion Week, wine tasting and sightseeing.
Temperature: 5°C to 12°C
Best Activities to Do: Wine tasting, local sightseeing, Paris fashion week.
Best Places to Visit: Loire Valley, Paris, Marseille
4. France in April
April is the month when spring is in full bloom in France. Frequent showers and pleasant weather make it a good time to plan budget-friendly outdoor trips in the country.
Natural attractions like the Tuileries in Paris and Monet’s Garden are adorned with beautiful spring blooms, creating picturesque scenery.
On the other hand, there are multiple fun events like the Paris Marathon and Easter celebrations. Since it is a shoulder month, visiting France in April will save you a lot of money.
Temperature: 8°C to 15°C
Best Activities to Do: Outdoor trips, Paris Marathon, Easter celebrations
Best Places to Visit: Giverny, Provence, Paris
5. France in May
May is the best month to visit France for outdoor plans like hiking, trekking and camping. The natural landscape is blooming, and temperatures are warm, with longer sunny days. There are plenty of holidays and events like Labor Day, Europe Day and many other regional festivals. May in France is also known for the world-famous Cannes Film Festival.
Temperature: 12°C to 20 °C
Best Activities to Do: Vineyard tours, outdoor exploration, enjoy local festivals.
Best Places to Visit: Cannes, Burgundy, French Riviera
6. France in June
June marks the beginning of the official tourist season in France. With bright sunny days and temperatures reaching up to 25°C, there is a plethora of tourist activities to enjoy during your June trip to France.
Regions like Paris and the French Riviera are among the hotspots for travellers. Several music festivals are organised all over the country, including the famous Fête de la Musique.
Apart from city and countryside tours, June is also ideal for planning sun-soaked beach vacations in France.
Temperature: 15°C to 25°C
Best Activities to Do: Beach vacations, outdoor explorations, music festivals
Best Places to Visit: Paris, Normandy, Provence
7. France in July
July brings hot and sunny weather in France, with temperatures going as high as 28°C. It is the peak holiday season for tourists as well as the local residents.
From beach outings to summer festivals, there is a wide array of exciting activities to keep you busy during the month of July. It is surely the best time to visit France and experience its vibrant summer season.
Temperature: 18°C to 28°C
Best Activities to Do: Beach activities, summer carnivals
Best Places to Visit: Paris, Loire Valley, French Riviera
8. France in August
August features similar weather conditions and temperatures like July. It is again an extremely welcoming month for both tourists and locals alike. If you plan on visiting France in August, you can include beach activities, festivities, day trips, etc., in your travel itinerary.
Temperature: 18°C to 24°C
Best Activities to Do: Coastal area exploration, local sightseeing
Best Places to Visit: Provence, Corsica, Paris
9. France in September
September is the beginning of shoulder season in France. This means you will find fewer tourists and the prices of accommodations and tickets will also be discounted.
With temperatures coming down to the 14-20°C range, September offers a great relief from the hot summers. It is a perfect month to plan vineyard visits since it is the grape harvest season.
Other things you can include in your French itinerary are cultural events, regional festivals, local sightseeing tours and so on.
Temperature: 14°C to 24°C
Best Activities to Do: Vineyard tours, hiking, trekking, city walks
Best Places to Visit: Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux
10. France in October
October starts to give hints of autumn with cool breezes, stunning fall foliage and temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C. It offers perfect weather to enjoy the French countryside and festivities like All Saints’ Day and Halloween. It is the best time of year to visit France if you want to take a closer look at the local culture and traditions.
Temperature: 10°C to 18°C
Best Activities to Do: Countryside tours, Halloween and All Saints Day celebrations
Best Places to Visit: Provence, France, Burgundy
11. France in November
November is characterised by chilly winter temperatures ranging between 5°C and 11°C. You can also expect frequent rains this month, so outdoor adventures like hiking and trekking may not be a good idea.
Instead, it is the best time to go to France, take city tours, do local sightseeing, go shopping, go café hopping, and do other similar activities.
Temperature: 5°C to 11°C
Best Activities to Do: City tours, local festivities
Best Places to Visit: Paris, Alsace, Lyon
12. France in December
December is a vibrant winter month that brings cold temperatures and higher chances of snowfall.
If you want to enjoy a lively Christmas, then December can be a good time to visit France. You will find colourful Christmas markets across the nation, especially in cities like Paris and Alsace.
Temperature: 2°C to 8°C
Best Activities to Do: Christmas celebrations, city walks
Best Places to Visit: Paris, Alsace, Strasbourg
Useful Tips When Travelling to France
Book in Advance
Always book in advance, whether for flights, accommodations, or other facilities. This is especially helpful during the peak seasons when everything is sold out quickly.
Besides helping you reserve your seats, it will also save a huge chunk of money due to extravagant prices of on-spot or same-day bookings.
Learn About Visa Requirements
Getting a Schengen visa is the first step in visiting France. It is always better to learn about the visa requirements in advance to ensure an obstacle-free and timely approval of your French visa.
Moreover, try to apply at least 2-3 months before your planned date of departure to avoid any trip delays.
Be Aware of Rules and Regulations
Whether visiting local attractions or using public services, be aware of and adhere to rules and regulations.
Also, avoid doing anything that may hurt the sentiments of locals.
Pack Appropriately
Always be mindful when packing your luggage. Keep essential items and avoid overpacking, as it will be highly inconvenient to travel long distances with a lot of luggage. Moreover, check the weather conditions and pack appropriately.
Plan During Off-season
Visiting France during the peak season, June to August, can be expensive due to price hikes for accommodation, flights and other tourist activities.
So, if you are a budget traveller, consider planning your trip during the off-season or shoulder season.
Familiarise With French Culture and Etiquette
French is the official language of France. It means most people speak French. For this reason, it is a good idea to learn a few common French phrases to communicate better.
In addition, it is also advisable to learn basic French etiquette for dining, meeting locals, dress codes, and so on.
Keep Enough Cash
Online payment methods don’t always work in France. It is always better to carry cash.
Not only will it provide you with smoother transactions, but will also help you spend mindfully.
Rent Your Own Car
While there are sufficient public transportation options available in France, it is highly recommended to consider car rental for a more personalised and fun travelling experience.
Having your car will allow you to visit the most beautiful French cities and towns that are often left unexplored. Besides, having a car is a great way to explore nearby Schengen countries like Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, etc.
Hire a Professional Guide
There is a never-ending list of sightseeing places and tourist activities in France.
If you are visiting France for the first time and have limited time, then don’t shy away from hiring a local guide. Alternatively, you can also book a good French tour package.
Explore Nearby Schengen Nations
A Schengen Visa allows you to visit France and explore all the other nations within the Schengen Area. Some nearby nations include the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, the United Kingdom, etc.
For more information, you can check out the detailed
Schengen countries list available on our website.
Stay Safe and Friendly
When travelling abroad, always be alert and well aware-of your surroundings. Keep the emergency numbers handy and stay in touch with your family.
Moreover, be polite and friendly to the locals. This simple gesture will make your trip even more memorable.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for France?
Just like for any other Schengen Area country, you need a Schengen visa to visit France. If you don’t already know,
travel insurance is a mandatory document for Schengen visa seekers. As per Schengen visa regulations, you must have travel insurance of at least €30,000.
However, having a travel insurance plan is not simply a legal mandate. It is an important financial tool that covers you in case of unpredictable emergencies.
At Reliance General Insurance, we offer
Schengen travel insurance policies that offer extensive coverage for events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, baggage loss, theft, passport loss and many more.
We offer affordable premium charges and instant policy purchases with an easy and fast claims settlement process.
Conclusion
France is one of the few global destinations that can be visited throughout the year. However, the right time to visit this stunning country depends on your unique preferences and travel interests.
For instance, June to August is the prime time to experience the country's peak tourist season. Similarly, November to March is the best time for budget travellers to visit France due to low prices and a peaceful environment.
Whatever month you are planning your trip in, make sure to enjoy it to the fullest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
